In the south of the Ivory Coast, the inhabitants of Lahou-Kpanda attended the screening of Aya, by French director Simon Gillard. A film shot in their village documents the danger that the rising waters represent for its inhabitants and their avikam culture.
After touring festivals around the world, the film Aya by French director Simon Gillard was screened in the village of Lahou-Kpanda, in the south of Ivory Coast in front of just over 500 people.
Lahou-Kpanda is the unique setting of the feature film and the actors are from this village. It is threatened by rising waters due to various natural and human-related factors.
After the screening, locals hope funds can be raised to save it. On the village square – between the lagoon and the ocean – dozens of children take their places 3 hours before the screening. A generator and a large screen were installed for the occasion. When the moon shines in a corner of the sky, the film begins with the dull sound of crashing waves on and off the screen.